| The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration Thursday said this week it has issued 11 closure orders to Elk Run Coal Co.'s Seng Creek Powellton Mine in Boone County, some owned by Massey Energy.
MSHA says the closure orders stem from a surprise visit last week.
Mine inspectors said that the mines "were taking illegal cuts into the coal seam, operating without proper ventilation and not completing required air readings, which are needed to assure there is sufficient air flow to prevent mine explosions."
Joseph A. Main, assistant secretary of labor for MSHA, said this week the violations were a blatant disregard for federal regulations.
MSHA said the disregard for safety rules means there is a need for new legislation to halt these kinds of practices.
Massey is saying a foreman and two hourly workers were discharged over the recent violations, and nine additional miners were suspended for three days.
In recent years, Massey has been fined well over a billion dollars for violations, most of which they ignored for years or took to court, finally reaching a small settlement with the government.
Main said this week marks the six-month anniversary of the devastating loss of life at Upper Big Branch Mine.
"Rather than learn from this tragedy, there are mine operators that continue the 'catch me if you can' tactics, ignoring basic mining laws, and placing their workers at great risk of injury, illness and mine explosions," he said.
Meanwhile, Massey is attacking federal officials for their handling of the Upper Big Branch investigation, saying the company wants to conduct its own separate investigation to determine the cause.
Massey Energy is applauding Governor Joe Manchin's decision to bring a suit against the government to combat the EPA's stance on mining permits, with Massey saying such a stance "threatens West Virginia jobs and jeopardizes the livelihoods of working families."
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